The problem with the image is that same that we had in the field--dealing with the lower edge. It is not that the birds are dark, it is that they are cut off by the frame edge. If you framed any lower, a line of o-o-f weeds enters the bottom of the frame.... All of the artistic theory does not change the fact the the lower edge detracts from the many positives.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,